It’s official. The flag has been raised at City Hall. It’s Pride Week in Saskatoon. Co-Chair of Saskatoon Pride, Mike McCoy, says they have filled the month with events, from the usual fun events to those that are more educational. Earlier this month, there was a documentary about an Edmonton man who was forced into being a human rights hero when he was fired for his job and then there was a human rights forum at Remai Modern. Coming up, there is an event at Western Development Museum to learn about Saskatchewan’s Queer history, and the Canadian Pride Historical Society launch or research which celebrates the progress and contributions of the Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diverse (GSRD) community.

McCoy explains that this year’s Pride events take on new meaning since the provincial government passed pronoun policy legislation last fall, which means students under 16 aren’t allowed to change their pronouns at school without parental consent. That’s why the Sask Party is banned from participating in events, either as an organization or as individuals representing the political party. McCoy says,”Particularly since that legislation was passed with the notwithstanding clause, there are many people, youth and adult community members, who are feeling threatened and no necessarily welcome in their home province.”

McCoy believes it is important for the Pride community to come out and celebrate who they are with their allies, and he says there are many opportunities to do that this month, and in particular this week. For a list of events, click here.